Who Invented Bacon? The Story of Its Sizzle
The story of bacon stretches back centuries and is rooted in several linguistic traditions. The term likely evolved from the French word bako, the Old Germanic bakkon, or the Old Teutonic backe—all translating to “back,” which refers to the area of the pig where bacon is commonly sourced. In America, however, bacon typically comes from the pork belly.
A Bite of History
In the Middle Ages, “bacon” or “bacoun” was a general term for pork. One of the most enduring phrases linked to bacon, “bring home the bacon,” dates to the 12th century. According to legend, a church in Dunmow, England, promised a side of bacon to any man who could swear before God and the congregation that he hadn’t quarreled with his wife for a full year. A man who managed this rare feat and returned home with the bacon was considered a model husband. Whether this tale is fact or folklore remains debated, but the phrase certainly stuck.
Britain and the Bacon Boom
By the 1600s, “bacon” no longer referred to pork in general but specifically to salted and cured cuts from the pig’s side. While The Oxford Companion to Food identifies bacon as a distinctly British invention, other sources argue it was not exclusive to the UK. However, the British curing method became a standard that influenced practices in many other countries.
By the 1700s, bacon production had expanded widely across Britain. One of the earliest and most notable bacon curers, John Harris of Wiltshire, opened a shop that helped establish the region’s reputation for high-quality bacon.
Alternative Origins and Global Influence
Some historians propose that the word originated from the German bak, and it was later adopted by the French before making its way into English usage in the 12th century. By the 1400s, the word had come to represent specifically cured meat rather than just any pork product.
The Romans also had their own pork traditions, consuming perna (ham) and petaso (shoulder bacon). They would brown pork and season it with wine and pepper. Anglo-Saxons used rendered bacon fat to flavor other dishes—a practice that survives in modern cooking. Germans, too, often ate bacon alongside hearty bean stews.
In 1750, William Ellis noted that both the English and French had a strong fondness for bacon, especially in northern England. At the time, bacon was often referred to as “pickled pork,” and methods of preservation included salting, drying, and smoking over hearth fires.
The English paired bacon with eggs or combined it with beans in stews, often seasoning the dish with pepper, salt, and various spices.
The Sizzling Legacy
Though many details about bacon’s history remain debated, its global popularity today is undeniable. From ancient recipes to modern breakfasts, bacon has sizzled its way into the hearts—and kitchens—of people around the world.
What is the origin of the word bacon?
The word “bacon” is believed to have evolved from the French bako, the Old Germanic bakkon, and the Old Teutonic backe, all meaning “back,” referencing the part of the pig used.
Where does bacon come from in the US?
In the United States, bacon is typically made from pork belly rather than the back of the pig.
What does the phrase “bring home the bacon” mean and where did it come from?
The phrase originated in 12th-century England, where a church promised bacon to a man who could swear he hadn’t argued with his wife for a year. It now means earning a living or achieving success.
Was bacon originally a British invention?
Bacon is closely tied to British culinary traditions, especially by the 17th century, but the methods were later adopted by other countries.
How did the Romans use bacon?
The Romans prepared bacon-like cuts called perna and petaso, which they browned and flavored with wine and spices.
How was bacon preserved historically?
Historically, bacon was preserved by salting, drying, and smoking, often referred to as “pickled pork” in the 18th century.